Max Resurrection! Verstappen's Comeback Job From Triple-Digit Norris Lead To Send Title Race To Final Outing

Last Updated:December 01, 2025, 15:37 IST

Verstappen has made a remarkable comeback this season, reducing Norris' lead in the standings to just 12 points, down from a staggering 104 after the Dutch Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen. (AP Photo)

Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, crossed the finish line first at the Losail Circuit to win the Qatar Grand Prix and extend McLaren star Lando Norris’ wait for his first World Championship on Sunday.

Verstappen has made a remarkable comeback this season, reducing Norris’ lead in the standings to just 12 points, down from a staggering 104 after the Dutch Grand Prix. At one point it seemed as thought the the Dutchman was well and truly out of title contention in his bid for a fifth straight crown, but stormed back into the debate with a strong showing in the second half of the season.

Since the summer break, Verstappen has managed to claim 5 race wins as compared to the 4 the rest of the field has pulled off combied.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, finished behind Verstappen, while Carlos Sainz of Williams secured the final podium spot, with Norris finishing in fourth place.

This victory brought Verstappen’s points total for the season to 396, with Norris leading the championship with 408 points. Piastri is in third place with 392 points, making the final race in Abu Dhabi crucial.

Norris can become champion if he finishes on the podium in the UAE’s capital, while Verstappen can win his fifth consecutive title if he secures victory and Norris does not finish in the top three. Piastri has an outside chance of becoming champion if he wins the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi and Norris finishes outside the top five.

“That was an incredible race for us. We made the right call as a team to box under the safety car and it was scrappy, but we got there in the end," Verstappen said after his victory in Qatar, with the title set to be decided at the crucial Abu Dhabi circuit.

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News sports formula-one Max Resurrection! Verstappen's Comeback Job From Triple-Digit Norris Lead To Send Title Race To Final Outing

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